Easy plum streusel coffee cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Easy plum streusel coffee cake is exactly what you need. It combines juicy, tender plums with a buttery crumbly streusel topping and a moist, tender cake base. Whether you’re enjoying it with a morning coffee or serving it as a delightful afternoon treat, this cake is a fantastic way to celebrate seasonal fruit while keeping things simple in the kitchen. It’s accessible, requires no fancy techniques, and the results are consistently delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich butter that adds moisture and tenderness, to the cinnamon that brings warmth to the streusel, every item contributes to making this cake irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of both the cake and streusel, providing structure and tenderness.
• Light brown sugar (or light muscovado): Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the streusel.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy spiced note that complements the plums perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (cubed and softened): Essential for richness in both the streusel topping and the cake batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and ensure a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies the flavors and adds a subtle aroma.
• Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Baking powder: Provides lift, making the cake airy and soft.
• Plums (Italian or European preferred): Juicy, sweet-tart fruit that shines as the star ingredient.

How to Make Easy plum streusel coffee cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning a rack in the center. Butter your cake pan thoroughly, line the bottom with greased parchment paper, then dust the sides lightly with flour. This prep ensures your cake releases cleanly and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Whip Up the Streusel Topping

Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter in a bowl, then mash everything together either with a fork or your fingers. Incorporate the flour gradually until you achieve a crumbly mix. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the batter — this chilling step is key to getting that perfectly crumbly and buttery topping.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy—this can take a few minutes and it’s worth the effort for a tender crumb. Add your eggs one at a time, whisking after each to keep it light and airy. Stir in vanilla and salt, then sift in the flour and baking powder, mixing just until everything combines. Overmixing here could toughen your cake, so be gentle!

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Scrape that luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Clean and slice your plums into wedges, then arrange them tightly across the top of the batter so every bite gets a juicy piece. Finally, sprinkle the chilled streusel evenly all over the plums—this contrast of textures is what brings the “coffee cake” magic.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cake in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top that smells aromatic and inviting. To test doneness, insert a cake tester or toothpick—it’s okay if it has plum juice on it, but it shouldn’t come out with wet batter. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before removing it from the pan; this resting helps the cake set nicely so it slices beautifully.

How to Serve Easy plum streusel coffee cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is a simple yet elegant way to finish this cake. If you want to elevate the experience, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey complements the tart plums beautifully and adds a silky contrast to the crumbly streusel.

Side Dishes

This coffee cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of fresh brewed coffee or a milky chai latte, balancing the cake’s sweetness and fruity tang. For a more substantial brunch offering, serve alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt and fresh berries to keep the meal refreshing and light.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into rustic squares and serve it on wooden boards for a cozy, inviting vibe. For a more formal occasion, plate individual slices with a sprig of fresh mint and a plum compote drizzle. You could even transform leftovers into a trifle by layering crumbled cake with whipped cream and fruit preserves for a dazzling showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the Easy plum streusel coffee cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2-3 days, during which the flavors actually deepen and the cake stays moist.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it thoroughly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for about 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For best results, warm slices gently in a microwave for about 20 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 10 minutes. This brings the cake back to that fresh-baked warmth, with the streusel topping regaining its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I substitute plums with other fruits?

Absolutely! While plums give a fantastic sweet-tart flavor here, you can try peaches, nectarines, or even apples. Just be mindful that juicier fruits might alter baking time or require less sugar.

What pan size is best for this recipe?

A 9-inch round or square cake pan works perfectly. The depth allows the cake to rise evenly and the streusel topping to bake to a satisfying crunch.

How do I know when the coffee cake is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown surface and fragrant aroma. Insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only moist plum juice, but no wet batter.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the streusel up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick mix before sprinkling to break up any large clumps.

Is this coffee cake suitable for breakfast as well as dessert?

Definitely! Its tender crumb and fruit topping make it a wonderful breakfast companion along with coffee or tea, though it works beautifully as a dessert too.

Final Thoughts

This Easy plum streusel coffee cake is a joyous crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself returning to whenever plums are in season or whenever you crave something comforting yet impressive. The balance of juicy fruit, crumbly topping, and soft cake hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every slice with your favorite mug of coffee or tea!

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